Chapter 997 Issuing an Imperial Decree
The Blue Horizon Project had three main phases, each divided into three smaller stages. That made nine stages in total.
The first stage would begin in the capital and extend to the two nearest cities—Caldren and Ravenor.
Although they were considered nearby, the distance between them was actually quite far—around four hundred kilometers.
The estimated cost could be as high as sixty to eighty billion Sharn.
Seira fell silent after hearing Nolan's question. Ten billion Sharn was a huge amount of money. She could have simply taken it from the imperial treasury.
Still, Frey's ambitious project came with a high risk of failure. If that happened, Seira was sure the ministers and other high-ranking officials would use it as an excuse to pressure her.
"Your Majesty, it's better to just forget about it. Ten percent is fine," Armand said awkwardly.
Ten billion Sharn was no small amount. If the project failed, Armand would be held responsible and could even end up in prison.
"That's right, Your Majesty. Please just forget about it. It's way too much."
"Your Majesty, I'm sure Minister Armand only said that without thinking. Please don't take it seriously."
The other ministers immediately chimed in.
Clarisse and Isabella said nothing. They knew they had no right to interfere.
But Clarisse felt a tickle in her throat. On impulse, she suddenly said loudly, "Seira, just accept it! It's a tempting offer!"
The ministers were stunned by her words. Even Seira hadn't expected her foolish mother to say something like that.
"Don't interfere in an official meeting," Seira snapped coldly.
Clarisse flinched in surprise. A moment later, anger flared inside her, but she didn't dare show it.
Frey was nearby, and she didn't want to ruin her image in front of him.
Isabella simply smiled at Clarisse's reckless behavior. She was curious to see what Seira would decide.
Accept it?
Or not?
The Blue Horizon Project was incredibly ambitious—so ambitious that everyone thought it was impossible.
Even so, Isabella had a vague feeling that the project would most likely succeed.
Seira looked away from Clarisse and smiled apologetically.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Frey. I hope you weren't offended."
Nolan waved his hand.
"It's fine."
Seeing that he wasn't angry, Seira sighed in relief and regained her composure.
"Before I make a decision, may I know how the profit-sharing system works?"
"We'll use a ticket system. So, we'll—"
Nolan explained everything in detail. He didn't want to hide anything from Seira or anyone else present.
After Nolan finished, the throne room fell silent. Everyone exchanged glances, clearly impressed.
"A tax system, huh?"
Seira narrowed her eyes slightly.
She hadn't expected the man in front of her to have such a well-thought-out plan.
Once the project was complete, people—whether merchants, farmers, or ranchers—who wanted to travel to other cities could take the train by purchasing a ticket.
Each ticket purchase would be subject to an 11% tax, with all of it going to the Imperial Palace.
But in return, the Imperial Palace was obligated to assist with land acquisition during the construction process and provide additional security against troublesome bandits.
"Eleven percent of every ticket?"
Armand swallowed hard.
If a single ticket cost two hundred Sharn and the number of passengers reached four hundred per day, the Imperial Court would receive 8,800 Sharn.
And the train wouldn't make just a single trip.
What if there were a hundred trips in a single day?
The amount earned would be enormous. Most importantly, the Imperial Court wouldn't have to do much beyond assisting with land acquisition and maintaining security during construction.
Armand wasn't the only one thinking this. Everyone else had reached the same conclusion.
Reaping profits without lifting a finger was certainly an enticing prospect.
"What do you think, Your Majesty?"
Nolan asked again.
"Do you want to support this national-scale project?"
Seira took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Then, she slowly exhaled and opened them again.
"All right, I agree. I'll provide ten billion Sharn in installments."
Her answer surprised the ministers.
"Y-Your Majesty, you—"
Before Armand could finish, Seira silenced him.
"I know what I've decided. There's no need to protest."
Armand shut his mouth tightly. He felt that Seira was acting too hastily. They should have been able to secure a greater share of the profits from Frey.
Unfortunately, Seira had made her decision too quickly, and they could no longer secure that additional profit.
After Seira's approval, the ministers began whispering among themselves.
Nolan ignored them and asked Seira to personally draft the decree.
Seira had no objections and asked Orion to bring her some paper and a pen.
After finishing the decree, Seira rolled it up and handed it to Orion, who then delivered it to Nolan.
Nolan glanced over the decree and nodded in satisfaction.
With Seira's permission, his project could finally begin.
"When are you going to start?" Seira asked.
"Tomorrow."
"That soon?"
Seira and the others were surprised.
"I've already prepared everything, including the people. I just needed permission from the Imperial Court. Now that I have it, there's no reason to waste any more time," Nolan replied casually.
Seira couldn't help but admire his efficiency.
"In that case, I'll take my leave."
"Wait!"
Seira hurriedly stopped him.
Nolan was startled and looked at her curiously.
Seira cleared her throat slightly before saying,
"I'd like to discuss this project further. How about we go to my office?"
Nolan: "…"
…
"Excuse me."
Nolan stepped into Seira's office, which had previously belonged to Ragan.
"No need to be so formal," Seira said with a small laugh.
"In that case, I'll follow Your Majesty's orders."
Nolan flopped down onto the sofa.
Seira shook her head helplessly. The image she had of Nolan as a serious man was shattered into pieces.
Even so, she preferred him this way. Being too stiff and serious was exhausting and boring.
"What would you like to drink?" Seira asked.
"Tea mixed with pomegranate essence."
"I'm sorry, we don't have any."
"Huh? None? Doesn't that old man usually keep a jar by the bookshelf for me?"
Seira was taken aback. She walked over to the bookshelf, and sure enough, there it was—a medium-sized jar. A note was attached to the top that read, "Tea mixed with pomegranate essence."
"It's really here," she muttered in surprise.
She turned toward Nolan and walked over to him.
"The jar is really here."
"See? I wasn't wrong."
Nolan laughed.
Seira narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"How did you know?"
Nolan's smile instantly froze. He slowly turned toward Seira and met her icy gaze.
Cold sweat seeped through his clothes as he cried out inwardly, "Damn… I completely forgot!"